County declines routine right-of-way access for private pump; approves 65-foot measured right-of-way and requests engineer review

Steele County commissioners reviewed a proposal that would alter drainage near a county road and agreed to record a 65-foot right-of-way from the road center while keeping the county right-of-way closed to new pump installations without permission. County staff described a private plan to build a dike and place pumps that would trap water behind the wall and potentially route flows toward a county culvert. Staff urged engineering review to evaluate culvert size and drainage impacts and noted a recent state law change affecting drain tile and pumping practices. Several commissioners said they did not want private equipment placed in the county right-of-way, citing liability and maintenance concerns. Commissioners discussed culvert sizing in the proposed dike; meeting materials referenced a 36-inch culvert and a 24-foot opening in one diagram, and staff noted the top of the dike was proposed to be about 3 inches above the culvert invert, a configuration that could allow overflow if water volumes exceed the design. County staff recommended that public works staff and county engineering review the proposal before any permission is granted. On Aug. 5 commissioners voted on a motion tied to the presented right-of-way measurement and authorized staff to send the applicant a copy of the county right-of-way line at 65 feet from center and requested further engineer review. The motion passed on a voice vote. Commissioners also instructed staff to consult with county engineers and to ensure any culvert or ditch work protects the county road and avoids trapping additional flood volumes onto county property. No construction work or right-of-way permit was approved at the Aug. 5 meeting; the county's action was limited to documenting the measured right-of-way line and directing staff to provide engineering input and a formal response to the applicant.